A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Octopus’s Garden’

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Edward Hong

There is something truly remarkable when you witness a play that not only makes marine biologist wholly relatable but that you feel so much compassion for a giant octopus puppet and inspire mythical wonder in the deep watery unknown. Such is the accomplishment of Weston Gaylord’s Octopus’s Garden, now having its world premiere in this gorgeous co-production with Boston Court Pasadena, Circle X Theatre Co., and Outside In Theatre.

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Berta, Berta’

July 21, 2025July 21, 2025 Edward Hong

There are many exciting elements at play with the west coast premiere of Angelica Chéri‘s Berta, Berta at the Echo Theater Company with a talented cast composed of Kacie Rogers & DeJuan Christopher and director Andi Chapman (who I’ve been a stalwart fan of for years).

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘I Sell Windows’

May 30, 2024June 7, 2024 Edward Hong

I want to say this right from the start that I am not a particular fan of the solo performance format whatsoever as most of them tend to overly indulge in the identity aspect without any ounce of humor or ability to tell a story. Yet I understand the need for such a format because it is the simplest and easiest format to mount in the theatre world while still being able to showcase an actor’s ability.

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘King Hedley II’

April 9, 2024April 12, 2024 Edward Hong

It is always a pleasure to review any productions at A Noise Within because more often than not, they constantly deliver bold works of art from all aspects in the creative department. This is to be the case once again for King Hedley II, an incredible rendition of August Wilson’s ninth play in his ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle series.

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘The Bluest Eye’

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 Edward Hong

Staged adaptations of novels usually don’t end up working well as they are clunky at best and downright tedious at worst. Thankfully, the staged version of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is one of the few works that so vividly brings the novel’s words to life, thanks to the fine adaptation of Lydia R. Diamond.

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Celestial Events’

March 9, 2022March 12, 2022 Edward Hong

As in-person theatre is making more of a return throughout the United States and particularly in Los Angeles where I reside, there’s been a surge of plays that deal with traumatic topics of race when all or most of their cast members are that of Global Majority.

Reviews, Theatre

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Gifted’

January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 Josephine Chang

Co-written with Edward Hong

What do you do when you’re born with a superpower but it’s really not that super? Especially if it’s a power that can accurately pinpoint the success or failure of any romantic relationship? Gifted, which is currently playing at the Sacred Fools till February 29, explores this question in a world not at all too different from our own. Written by Bob DeRosa and directed by Rebecca Larsen, the play takes a somewhat absurd premise into a truly in-depth and touching story that is a feast for the eyes, ears, and the heart.

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